Kent County Board approves pre‑Labor Day school calendar after 609‑person survey

The Kent County Board of Education voted unanimously March 10 to adopt a pre‑Labor Day school calendar (Option 1) after the calendar committee presented survey results reflecting broad participation.

Board President McGee called the roll and asked for a motion; Miss Dorsey moved to adopt Option 1 and Mister Queen seconded. President McGee then called the vote and the board recorded unanimous approval.

The administration told the board the final survey received 609 responses, including 140 students, 215 parents, 130 teachers, 78 support staff, 21 administrators and 23 community stakeholders. Committee presenters said Option 1 — which maintains a pre‑Labor Day start and provides longer winter break (two weeks) and a full week for spring break — was the most favored when considering both first and second choices across stakeholder groups. The committee recommended bringing Option 1 forward for the board’s final approval based on that cross‑section of feedback.

Supporters on the board said the larger response pool gave the district a stronger basis for the decision and that a calendar with longer breaks may reduce mid‑year absences. Several members highlighted the value of student voice in the process.

The board’s approval finalizes the template for the coming school year; detailed implementation (exact start dates, graduation placeholders and related operational steps) will be finalized by administration and brought to the board as needed.

The district will publish the adopted calendar and outreach resources on the KCPS website and through district communications so families can plan ahead.